We’ve all heard it before: money doesn’t buy happiness. But, what does? Meditation? De-cluttering? Exercise? Hobbies? Nope. Nope. Nope. Albeit, these have proven to affect your mood and do help you feel better, but do they cause joy? Do they get you motivated to get out of bed? Maybe.
For me, I get in a state of flow when I volunteer.
I get in a state of flow when I donate, go to my nonprofit job, or ask people to join me in giving. I’ve found the secret of happiness! I join with Oprah, Ellen, and Melinda Gates in raising awareness about the most exciting and easiest way to feel good: to give.
“Giving is selfish,” said Denzel Washington.
Our souls were made to be in a constant state of joy and connection. Practicing everyday pleasantries to our neighbors, friends, families, and strangers with respect, support, and excitement is how we feel good about ourselves–and change the world.
Love boomerangs back to us.
As author Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” We were made for altruism, despite what it looks like in the media.
Our society seems to be on a quest for happiness. Thousands of books are sold every year on the topic. Thousands of entrepreneurs tout they have the answers. I do believe there is a hint of truth to it all. Yes, meditation will make you “ten percent happier”. Yes, de-cluttering is scientifically proven to relax you. Yes, exercise does generate feel-good endorphins.
Yet, in a deeper way: humans seem to be hardwired for connection.
We are most fulfilled when we are in a supportive and loving community. This isn’t what the media is talking about. This isn’t what business is talking about. This is not even what the nonprofit industry is talking about! We seem to be talking a lot about money; driven by capitalism.
Working is part of life. Money is part of life. Money and work go hand-in-hand, but those who have found success know from experience that obtaining it does not bring joy.
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Our purpose is to each other. The needs for ourselves and others go far deeper than anything we can buy or earn with money.
The best news I can give you: the easiest way to be happy is to give.
I want you to feel the natural high the love coming back to you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. The world needs you! YOU need this!
Money keeps you in the rat race; on the hamster wheel. But, altruism and charity, whether they are recognized or not, with a group or through personal decisions, is how you can find deep fulfillment and joy.
Do you want to be happy? Give.
That is the solution. How are you going to spend your time today? Hurry up! Don’t waste any time. The time is now!
Our world needs YOU.
As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and most urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”